CHAPTER XXIV

PROPHECY OF ST. JULIAN, A MONK

JULIAN, whose name, in the Syrian language, was Sabbas, led a spiritual life, although he was still in the body. I have written his history in my work entitled “Philotheus.” He became more earnest in offering supplications to God when he was informed of the threats of Julian. On the same day that Julian received the stroke of death, the event was revealed to him as he was at prayer, although his monastery was situated at a distance of more than twenty days’ journey from the Roman camp. For it is said that while he was presenting his supplications to God with tears and lamentations, his tears suddenly ceased to flow, and his face assumed a joyful and serene expression, showing forth the gladness of his soul. Some of his friends, remarking this change, enquired the cause of his joy; he told them, that the wild boar which had ravaged the vineyard of the Lord had received the just recompense of his unlawful deeds, that he was lying dead, and that his evil designs were averted. All those present rejoiced on receiving this information; and expressed their thankfulness to God by singing hymns. Those who afterwards announced the emperor’s death affirmed that it took place on the very day and hour predicted by the blessed old man.